Clear Creek Canyon Park

Clear Creek Canyon Park_Scenic

SAFER-AT-HOME

  • DO NOT visit parks and public areas if sick; stay home, seek medical care
  • DO NOT gather in groups larger than 10
  • Practice social distancing of at least 6’ in parks, trailheads, trails, and climbing crags
  • Keep dogs on leash at ALL times
  • Bring your own hand sanitizer and/or hand washing supplies; many of our parks and restrooms lack running water. Sanitize/wash hands after touching public surfaces such as railings, benches, and handles.
  • FACE COVERING strongly recommended; use when near others or when passing on the trail
  • High-risk visitors, use discretion for park visits and public restroom use

Colorado Safer-at-Home Order
More JCOS info regarding COVID-19
See COVID-19 closure page for countywide closure info

CLOSED: Portions of Clear Creek Canyon Park are closed to all public use uphill of US Highway 6 from February 1 through July 31 to protect raptor nesting territory. These portions include areas near Mile Marker 270 and Tunnel 2, including the following rock climbing sites:

Bumbling Stock, Stumbling Block, Skinny Legs, Blonde Formation, Ghost Crag, Highlander, Evil Area, and Tetanus Garden. The Fault Caves are also included in this closure. 

CLOSED: The dirt parking lot at the Gateway of Clear Creek Canyon Park off U.S. Hwy 6, near the intersection of Hwy 58, and Hwy 93, as well as the parking lot east of Tunnel 1 and the Oxbow area, will be closed until spring 2021 (weather dependent) for construction of the next segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail. For more information please visit our Peaks to Plains project page.

Seasonal Closure Clear Creek Canyon MM 266 Map
Seasonal Closure Clear Creek Canyon MM 270 Map

Clear Creek Canyon Park offers unique recreation experiences among its steep canyon walls and fast flowing creek. With the opening of a segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail, bicycles are allowed in the canyon for the first time. Use caution when accessing the creek and engaging in high-risk activities such as rock climbing, kayaking and rafting. Anglers must carry a valid Colorado fishing license with habitat stamp. Gold prospectors must adhere to Open Space Regulations.

Peaks to Plains Trail
The current Peaks to Plains Trail in Clear Creek Canyon is 3.75 miles of 10’ wide concrete and is ADA accessible. Learn more about the Peaks to Plains Trail.
Peaks to Plains Trail Infographic

Clear Creek Canyon Park interactive map

Mayhem Gulch Trailhead
32447 US Highway 6
Golden, CO 80403

Clear Creek Canyon Cannonball Flats Access
33708 US Highway 6
Golden, CO 80403

Clear Creek Canyon Big Easy Trailhead
32088 US Highway 6
Golden, CO 80403

Trail Closure Alert
Clear Creek Canyon Park Facts
Clear Creek Canyon Park Map
Prospecting Regulations

Prospecting is prohibited in some areas at the Big Easy Trailhead. See posted signs.

  • Digging into or destruction of stable shoreline, banks or existing vegetation is not permitted
  • All prospecting holes must be filled in before leaving site
  • Dredges and equipment may not be left overnight
  • No prospecting within 100 feet of structures including bridges, steps and
    fish habitat improvements
  • Only dredges with a nozzle diameter of four inches or fewer are permitted
  • No dripping or leaking of fuel or oil allowed
Park Regulations Image

If you are accessing Centennial Cone Park at Mayhem Trailhead, please be aware of the alternating use schedule. 
On weekends, hike and horseback ride on odd-numbered dates; bike on even-numbered dates. See schedule. 

Centennial Cone Park Alternating Use Schedule 2020
  1. REOPEN: Crown Hill Park Wildlife Sanctuary reopens 7/1 following seasonal wildlife closure
  2. REOPEN: Elk Range Trail at Centennial Cone Park
  3. NOTICE: New camping reservations suspended until further notice
  4. NOTICE: Rangers and S.O. implementing temporary restrictions at parks that are at capacity
  5. CLOSED: Due to COVID-19 health concerns, Lookout Mtn Nature Center and Hiwan Museum closed
  6. CLOSED: Weekday closures at Flying J Ranch Park
  7. CLOSED: Parking lots at the mouth of Clear Creek Canyon Park and Tunnel 1 closed for construction
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